MMA News: Bodog Fight Debuts StatesideOn Saturday, July 14th, Bodog Fighters will become "Garden State" warriors when they visit the Sovereign Bank Arena on the shores of the Delaware River in Trenton, New Jersey for Bodog Fight: Eddie Alvarez vs. Matt Lee.
After losing his Bodog Fight welterweight championship belt last April to Nick "The Goat" Thompson in Russia, Philadelphia's Eddie Alvarez (9-1) is looking to get back to his winning ways. The explosive striker will face Boston's Matt Lee (9-5-1) at this special event, which is scheduled to air in more than 90 million U.S. homes on ION Television at a later date.
After winning a decision over Alvarez's Fight Factory trainer, Stephen Haigh, last year, Lee is confident he can overcome Haigh's disciple. "I beat the teacher, now I'm going to beat up on the student," warns the Team Elite fighter.
Of course, Alvarez has other ideas.
"This fight is going to accomplish three things on my list," declares Eddie. "First, I'm going to even the score on behalf of my coach. Second, I'm going to put on a show for all my fans up from Philly. Last, but not least, beating Matt is going to put me a step closer to winning back my championship belt."
Alvarez and Lee are not the only ones looking forward to their fight. "I expect these two will provide us with some fireworks, which will be a great way to mark our first ever American event," says Bodog Entertainment Founder Calvin Ayre.
One of the more anticipated fights will be the ladies bout featuring South Jersey's own Tara LaRosa. She'll be going up against New York's Laura D'Auguste for a shot at the Bodog Fight women's 135-pound championship belt. LaRosa certainly has the home crowd advantage.
"It's going to be a huge thrill fighting for the title in front of my home fans, and I look forward to hearing them cheer when my arm is raised after the fight," said a confident LaRosa.
Other bouts include:
Yves Edwards vs. Jorge Masvidal
Chael Sonnen vs. Amar Suloev
Yoshiki Takahashi vs. Josh Curran
Roman Zentsov vs. Mark Burch
Nick Agallar vs. TBA
David Love vs. Brad Pickett
It is unclear whether Mixed Martial Arts legend Royce Gracie will be in attendance. He is featured on both Bodog Fight Seasons 3 and 4 as a ringside commentator.
Tickets available through www.comcasttix.com.
For more information, visit www.BodogFight.com
Sports911.com is already covering the UFC 72 Victory betting odds and news following an explosive surge in betting interests for Saturday night's UFC 71 event which witnessed the upset of favorite Chuck Liddell at the hands of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
"Our traffic for this event shot through the roof," comments Sports911.com Senior Editor, Payton O'Brien. "Online gambling companies offering bets on UFC 71 have been reporting some brisk business over the weekend."
O'Brien acknowledged Monday morning that MMA traffic to the Sports911.com website was at an all time high on Saturday and straight through the Sunday morning hours.
"The
UFC 71 Houston Alexander slaughter of Keith Jardine article continues to sit among the top 3 most read on Sports911.com for the last 36 hours."
-----
Related Articles:
Bodog
vs. UFC and Pride: Ayre Happy to be Number Two for
Now
UFC
71 Results Have MMA Bettors Hungry for More
Chuck
Liddell Loses to Quinton Jackson Again
UFC PRIDE deal a
bust?
-----
Tyrone Black, Sports911.com
Originally published May 28, 2007 10:43 am ET
